Description DetailsTotal consumption of milk in developing regions is projected to increase from 164 million metric tonnes in 1993 to 391 million metric tons by the year 2020 – a 138 percent increase! The expected increase in per capita consumption is from 38 to 62 kg/person. The triple effects of population increase, income growth and urbanisation will fuel this tremendous growth in demand.
Milk provides quality protein and essential micronutrients needed for nutrient balance in marginal diets based on staple grain and root crops. The production of more milk in developing countries will help meet the needs of urban families at prices they can afford. With affordable prices, poor families, especially children, are more likely to consume the quality protein and essential micronutrients they need for healthy physical and mental development.
Increasing dairy production is a major challenge for those engaged in international livestock development. Moreover, there are environmental concerns about livestock production in fragile landscapes, so increasing milk supply should be done in an environmentally sustainable manner. Research can help meet this c...

Description DetailsDescription : Regulation of regional work is essential for efficient cardiac function. In patients with heart failure and electrical dysfunction
such as left branch bundle block regional work is often depressed in the septum. Following cardiac resynchronisation
therapy (CRT) this heterogeneous distribution of work can be rebalanced by altering the pattern of electrical activation. To
investigate the changes in regional work in these patients and the mechanisms underpinning the improved function
following CRT we have developed a personalised computational model. Simulations of electromechanical cardiac function
in the model estimate the regional stress, strain and work pre- and post-CRT. These simulations predict that the increase in
observed work performed by the septum following CRT is not due to an increase in the volume of myocardial tissue
recruited during contraction but rather that the volume of recruited myocardium remains the same and the average peak
work rate per unit volume increases. These increases in the peak average rate of work is is attributed to slower and more
effective contraction in the septum, as opposed to a c...

Description DetailsThis report of research on concepts and problems of "Libraries of the Future" records the result of a two-year inquiry into the applicability of some of the newer techniques for handling information to what goes at present by the name of library work— i.e., the operations connected with assembling information in recorded form and of organizing and making it available for use....

Description DetailsDescription: School of Surveying and Land Information Engineering, Henan Polytechnic University, Jiaozuo, China. Over the past thirty years, the hyperspectral remote sensing technology is attracted more and more attentions by the researchers. The
dimension reduction technology for hyperspectral remote sensing image data is one of the hotspots in current research of
hyperspectral remote sensing. In order to solve the problems of nonlinearity, the high dimensions and the redundancy of the bands
that exist in the hyperspectral data, this paper proposes a dimension reduction method for hyperspectral remote sensing image data
based on the global mixture coordination factor analysis. In the first place, a linear low dimensional manifold is obtained from the
nonlinear and high dimensional hyperspectral image data by mixture factor analysis method. In the second place, the parameters of
linear low dimensional manifold are estimated by the EM algorithm of find a local maximum of the data log-likelihood. In the third
place, the manifold is aligned to a global parameterization by the global coordinated factor analysis model and then the...

Description DetailsThis paper investigates the DOD’s tactical logistical challenges and each service’s tactical lift requirements, especially with respect to the movement of supplies from forward supply hubs to forward forces. To address these challenges and requirements, the author suggests the use of remotely piloted aircraft (RPA) as a potential solution. Focusing on existing and quickly emerging technologies as well as the joint operating requirements, the author proposes RPA performance and design characteristics along with a concept of employment that increases tactical lift capabilities and meets all current service requirements....

Description DetailsThe key to making big data initiatives a success lies within making the produced data more digestible and usable in decision making, rather than making it just ‘more,’ resulting in the creation of an environment wherein information is used to generate real impact. Put another way, the survival of Big Data is more about making the right data(not just higher volume) available to the right people (not just higher variety) at the right time (not just higher velocity)....

Description DetailsAlthough this SourceSafe tutorial can be used for anyone who is interested in SourceSafe, it is mainly for software developers. As you may have been using SourceSafe for a long time and know many features of VSS, I will try to make the table of the content easy to navigate so hopefully you can easily find the information that you are interested in....

Excerpt DetailsIn this SourceSafe How To series / tutorial, I will write some guides, How To and FAQs about SourceSafe and will also post resources I found on the internet. This series will cover some basic and intermediate topics of SourceSafe as well as some advanced topics....

Description DetailsThe Department of Defense (DOD) anticipates the realization of biomimetic bird and two-inch, insect-sized systems within the 2015–47 period. Although robot systems of one millimeter or smaller are not explicitly specified in current DOD and Air Force technology road maps, the technological aims towards this size can be clearly inferred from official documents. This research assesses the likelihood of, and barriers to, the realization of true microrobots and nanorobots (defined as submillimeter-sized robots of micro-meter and nanometer proportions, respectively) that can perform in military applications by 2035. This research finds that the realization of true microrobots for military applications by 2035 is unlikely, except for a single case of microrobots....

Description DetailsDescription : One of the main techniques for recognizing individuals in avian field research is marking birds with plastic and metal leg
rings. However, in some species individuals may react negatively to rings, causing leg injuries and, in extreme cases, the loss
of a foot or limb. Here, we report problems that arise from ringing and illustrate solutions based on field data from Brown
Thornbills (Acanthiza pusilla) (2 populations), Siberian Jays (Perisoreus infaustus) and Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens (Malurus
coronatus). We encountered three problems caused by plastic rings : inflammations triggered by material accumulating
under the ring (Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens), contact inflammations as a consequence of plastic rings touching the foot or
tibio-tarsal joint (Brown Thornbills), and toes or the foot getting trapped in partly unwrapped flat-band colour rings
(Siberian Jays). Metal rings caused two problems : the edges of aluminium rings bent inwards if mounted on top of each
other (Brown Thornbills), and too small a ring size led to inflammation (Purple-crowned Fairy-wrens). We overcame these
problems by changing the ringing techni...

Description DetailsThis paper explores the advances in automatic identification technology, specifically radio frequency identification, and seeks to exploit these capabilities for use in the Department of Defense (DOD) supply chain. Using technological trends, a thorough literature review, and the opinions of experts, the paper compares current technology to a 2035 requirements forecast to identify capability gaps. The end goal is logistics situational awareness, whereby the DOD has the ability to provide end-to-end visibility throughout its supply chain and can rapidly mobilize, deploy, sustain, and redeploy forces in support of national security objectives....

Description DetailsCol Thompson, in his concentrated focus on China’s military space applications, examines PRC ground, space, counterspace, and space policy aspects. His principal findings: China has plans to construct a new launch site in the deep south; PRC telemetry, tracking and com-mand capacities are improving; China has the ability to conduct limited intelligence, surveillance and reconnaissance missions from space; the PRC is pursuing a counterspace capability most likely using satellite jammers and anti-satellites (possibly parasitic or nano-satellites). Col Thompson concludes that while China’s space program does not now constitute a global threat, the PRC is pursuing space capabilities that will increase its regional influence, and deny an adversary certain uses of space....

Description DetailsDescription: School of Environment Science and Spatial Informatics, China University of Mining & Technology, Xuzhou, Jiangsu, P.R. China. To know well about the highly complex earth system, a large volume of, as well as a large variety of, datasets on the planet Earth are
being obtained, distributed, and shared worldwide everyday. However, seldom of existing systems concentrates on the distribution
and interrelation of different datasets in a common Global Spatial Reference Frame (GSRF), which holds an invisble obstacle to the
data sharing and scientific collaboration. Group on Earth Obeservation (GEO) has recently established a new GSRF, named Earth
System Spatial Grid (ESSG), for global datasets distribution, sharing and interrelation in its 2012–2015 WORKING PLAN.The
ESSG may bridge the gap among different spatial datasets and hence overcome the obstacles. This paper is to present the
implementation of the ESSG-based GSRF. A reference spheroid, a grid subdvision scheme, and a suitable encoding system are
required to implement it. The radius of ESSG reference spheroid was set to the double of approximated Earth radius to ma...

Description DetailsDescription: School of Remote Sensing and Information Engineering, Wuhan University, 129 Luoyu Road, Wuhan, CHINA, 430079. The orthophoto is an important component of GIS database and has been applied in many fields. But occlusion and shadow causes the loss of feature information which has a great effect on the quality of images. One of the critical steps in true orthophoto generation is the detection of occlusion and shadow. Nowadays LiDAR can obtain the digital surface model (DSM) directly. Combined with this technology, image occlusion and shadow can be detected automatically. In this paper, the Z-Buffer is applied for occlusion detection. The shadow detection can be regarded as a same problem with occlusion detection considering the angle between the sun and the camera. However, the Z-Buffer algorithm is computationally expensive. And the volume of scanned data and remote sensing images is very large. Efficient algorithm is another challenge. Modern graphics processing unit (GPU) is much more powerful than central processing unit (CPU). We introduce this technology to speed up the Z-Buffer algorithm and get 7 times increase in s...

Description DetailsFlorentin Smarandache's account on his visit to Atlanta to participate in the International Conference on Granular Computing, organized by the famous international association of electricity and electronics engineers, on behalf her official Institute of Electrical and Electronics Engineers, Inc., who write shorthand IEEE (American scholar in folklore)....

Description DetailsDescription : Background : The nature of synaptic transmission at functionally distinct synapses in intestinal reflex pathways has not been
fully identified. In this study, we investigated whether transmission between interneurons in the descending inhibitory
pathway is mediated by a purine acting at P2Y receptors to produce slow excitatory synaptic potentials (EPSPs).
Methodology/Principal findings : Myenteric neurons from guinea-pig ileum in vitro were impaled with intracellular
microelectrodes. Responses to distension 15 mm oral to the recording site, in a separately perfused stimulation chamber
and to electrical stimulation of local nerve trunks were recorded. A subset of neurons, previously identified as nitric oxide
synthase immunoreactive descending interneurons, responded to both stimuli with slow EPSPs that were reversibly
abolished by a high concentration of PPADS (30 mM, P2 receptor antagonist). When added to the central chamber of a three
chambered organ bath, PPADS concentration-dependently depressed transmission through that chamber of descending
inhibitory reflexes, measured as inhibitory junction potentials in the ci...

Description DetailsIn this paper, I seek to demonstrate that the methods of using airpower to take the fight to the enemy and protect our ground forces during small wars need not involve the most advanced aircraft available. This “low-tech” approach does not suggest using lesser technology per se but proposes a different look for the types of aircraft that can perform a specific mission and for their manner of employment—that of protecting ground forces while combating the elusive insurgent. These same aircraft can prove invaluable in training an indigenous force to take the fight forward. By looking to relatively inexpensive, off-the-shelf aircraft, the Air Force can protect its ground-based charges and cement a relationship with embattled nations by helping them help themselves....

Description DetailsDescription : The objective of this study was to evaluate different strategies for the application of entomopathogenic nematodes (EPN).
Three different models of spray nozzles with air induction (AI 11003, TTI 11003 and AD-IA 11004), three spray pressures (207,
413 and 720 kPa), four different additives for tank mixtures (cane molasses, mineral oil, vegetable oil and glycerin) and the
influence of tank mixture stirring time were all evaluated for their effect on EPN (Steinernema feltiae) viability and
pathogenicity. The different nozzles, at pressures of up to 620 kPa, were found to be compatible with S. feltiae. Vegetable
oil, mineral oil and molasses were found to be compatible adjuvants for S. feltiae, and stirring in a motorized backpack
sprayer for 30 minutes did not impact the viability or pathogenicity of this nematode. Appropriate techniques for the
application of nematodes with backpack sprayers are discussed....

Description DetailsBy the end of the Vietnam War, advances in technology allowed these FACs to control strikes against targets at night, in bad weather, and with improved precision. Laser-guided weapons systems, new computer navigation equipment, and advanced ground radars combined to provide an effective and lethal capability. If the Mosquitoes were an annoyance in Korea, the Wolves of Vietnam proved to be a deadly addition to the concept of FAC....

Description DetailsDescription: BSF Swissphoto, Mittelstr. 7, D-12529 Schönefeld, Germany. Oblique aerial images become more and more distributed to fill the gap between vertical aerial images and mobile mapping systems.
Different systems are on the market. For some applications, like texture mapping, precise orientation data are required. One point is
the stable interior orientation, which can be achieved by stable camera systems, the other a precise exterior orientation. A sufficient
exterior orientation can be achieved by a large effort in direct sensor orientation, whereas minor errors in the angles have a larger
effect than in vertical imagery. The more appropriate approach is by determine the precise orientation parameters by
photogrammetric methods using an adapted aerial triangulation. Due to the different points of view towards the object the traditional
aerotriangulation matching tools fail, as they produce a bunch of blunders and require a lot of manual work to achieve a sufficient
solution. In this paper some approaches are discussed and results are presented for the most promising approaches. We describe a
single step approach wit...

Description DetailsThe author contends that urban terrain has become the preferred battlespace of US adversaries in the early twenty-first century. This environment poses unique challenges, especially to air and space warfare. The difficulty of sorting friendlies from enemy combatants, the latter intermingled with large numbers of noncombatants in very confined spaces, creates serious dilemmas for maneuver and aviation forces. Colonel Kemper believes that this mission, though well documented, has received neither the priority nor the resources necessary to ensure operational excellence and success on the modern battlefield. Thus, he not only inquires about whether we are training like we fight, but also seeks to determine what makes aviation urban operations so complicated and unique that they require stand-alone doctrine, tactics, techniques, and procedures....

Description DetailsDescription : Continuous theta burst stimulation (cTBS) applied over the primary motor cortex (M1) can alleviate pain although the
neural basis of this effect remains largely unknown. Besides, the primary somatosensory cortex (S1) is thought to
play a pivotal role in the sensori-discriminative aspects of pain perception but the analgesic effect of cTBS applied
over S1 remains controversial. To investigate cTBS-induced analgesia we characterized, in two separate
experiments, the effect of cTBS applied either over M1 or S1 on the event-related brain potentials (ERPs) and
perception elicited by nociceptive (CO2 laser stimulation) and non-nociceptive (transcutaneous electrical stimulation)
somatosensory stimuli. All stimuli were delivered to the ipsilateral and contralateral hand. We found that both cTBS
applied over M1 and cTBS applied over S1 significantly reduced the percept elicited by nociceptive stimuli delivered
to the contralateral hand as compared to similar stimulation of the ipsilateral hand. In contrast, cTBS did not modulate
the perception of non-nociceptive stimuli. Surprisingly, this side-dependent analgesic effect of cTB...

Description DetailsThis book also begins with that wondrous first Information Technology and then moves on to tales about the wonders of the written word—great stories, many of them likely new to most readers. In them, you‘ll find all the backgrounds, foregrounds, premises, conclusions, and surprises that make up the best and most valuable books. This book also begins with that wondrous first Information Technology and then moves on to tales about the wonders of the written word—great stories, many of them likely new to most readers. In them, you‘ll find all the backgrounds, foregrounds, premises, conclusions, and surprises that make up the best and most valuable books. At sixty-four, I bring another full lifetime lived both at that exact moment where my experiences could straddle working in print shops and in the current digital eBook era.. My degree in human-computer interfaces in 1973 led to my appointment as adjunct professor at Benedictine University, where I built the world‘s first electronic library in 1988. You could walk into that library, and the first thing you‘d see was the computer asking if there were any books you wanted. You se...

Excerpt DetailsWay back in the fifteenth century a man named Johann Gutenberg invented the ?printing press. More than 400 years passed before Ottmar Mergenthaler found a way in the late 1880s to mechanize that historic invention. Then, less than a century later – in the 1980s – digital printing displaced Mergenthaler’s wondrous Linotypes....

Description DetailsDescription : Gene targeting in most of human somatic cell lines has been labor-intensive because of low homologous recombination
efficiency. The development of an experimental system that permits a facile evaluation of gene targeting efficiency in
human somatic cell lines is the first step towards the improvement of this technology and its application to a broad range of
cell lines. In this study, we utilized phosphatidylinositol glycan anchor biosynthesis class A (PIGA), a gene essential for the
synthesis of glycosylphosphatidyl inositol (GPI) anchors, as a reporter of gene targeting events in human somatic cell lines.
Targeted disruption of PIGA was quantitatively detected with FLAER, a reagent that specifically binds to GPI anchors. Using
this PIGA-based reporter system, we successfully detected adeno-associated virus (AAV)-mediated gene targeting events
both with and without promoter-trap enrichment of gene-targeted cell population. The PIGA-based reporter system was
also capable of reproducing previous findings that an AAV-mediated gene targeting achieves a remarkably higher ratio of
homologous versus random integration (H/R r...